In a recent survey conducted by IFOP for the Credit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale Foundation and the French Red Cross, 43% of mayors reported that mobility issues exacerbate poverty. This study highlights the growing challenges faced by local authorities in terms of transportation access and combating social marginalization. The survey, which involved 400 mayors from across France, reveals that mobility is a major concern for 42% of mayors, almost on par with security concerns. This issue transcends regional divides, affecting both small towns with fewer than 2,000 inhabitants (42%) and larger cities with more than 10,000 residents (46%).

The study also indicates that economic factors remain a top priority for 56% of elected officials. Mayors express significant dissatisfaction with the current public transport offerings in their communities. Fifty-two percent of mayors report being unsatisfied, with 22% feeling very unsatisfied. Rural areas face an increasing challenge of isolation as transport infrastructure becomes more distant; dissatisfaction reaches 71% when the nearest train station is over 20 kilometers away.

The link between mobility and poverty is particularly strong in vulnerable territories. Mayors in areas with higher rates of poverty are more likely to identify mobility issues as a key concern. Seventy-one percent of mayors in these areas directly associate mobility problems with increased poverty levels, compared to only 40% in less affected regions. Elderly individuals are the most frequently cited vulnerable group by mayors (80% on average), especially those in rural areas. Conversely, mayors from larger cities cite single mothers with children at 55% and precarious employment holders.

To address these challenges, mayors advocate for active roles for local authorities in informing residents about available mobility solutions within their territory (60%), identifying and supporting individuals facing mobility difficulties (34%), and coordinating actions by local solidarity actors such as associations (31%).

With support from Credit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale Foundation, the French Red Cross has launched a program to combat "solidarity deserts." Today, two million French citizens live in these areas where lack of transportation means they might miss out on essential services provided by associations and face social isolation. The foundation has committed €7.5 million over three years to help the French Red Cross expand its intervention into 1,125 communities.

The French Red Cross's field actions include "going-to" services where volunteers reach people where they live or even at home to enhance programs like "Red Cross on Wheels," which distributes food and clothing aid, health and hygiene services. Additionally, "taking-to" services aim to assist families struggling to access essential daily services such as healthcare, education, or employment through initiatives like "Red Cross Mobility," which will increase offerings of solidarity-based transportation options including carpooling, car-sharing, or sustainable modes of transport.

Thanks to this mobilization from Credit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale's Dividend Societal Fund over three years, the association aims to increase its territorial presence by 28%, thereby supporting an additional 72,000 people by 2026. Ultimately, the goal is to eliminate all solidarity deserts.